Taking a look at ourselves: A theoretical shift for engaging with the Other

Background: This discussion of social justice, ethics, and public health nursing is situated within the theoretical framework of othering. This framework conceptualizes othering as exclusionary and inclusionary processes, expanding boundaries for interacting with those perceived as different from self. Public health literature is replete with imperatives that urge care to be delivered in a socially just and humane manner, yet the enactment of such care is often challenging and difficult. The presented theoretical framework provides guidance for meeting these challenges.

Description: This presentation will examine how justice, as a principle, speaks to differences inherent among people and acknowledges that these differences frame how we engage and implement justice. The theoretical framework of othering provides an avenue for this examination. Exclusionary othering often utilizes power within relationships for domination and subordination, whereas Inclusionary othering attempts to utilize power within relationships for transformation and coalition building. A case will be presented for moving away from exclusionary othering and towards engagement with the Other.

Recommendations: Consistent with the tenets of nursing, my contention is that the desire to care for others and the desire to treat them justly both spring from a compelling sense of human solidarity. I will argue that engaging with the Other does not require extensive international experience or “cultural immersion” programs. Rather, by attending to the micro-politics of everyday life, understandings of the macro-politics that structure people's lives can begin. Strategies for how to attend to the micro-politics will be offered within the framework of engagement with the Other.